First, some facts. Of the History graduates from Hillsdale College we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 40%, History graduates from Hillsdale College have a substantially lower likelihood (-27%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 30% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most History graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 43%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Hillsdale College with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in History. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONInside Sales & InfrastructurePole Base Mar 2015 - Oct 2015 Financial Administrative Assistant Manthei Veneer Mill Inc Nov 2015 - Jul 2016 Operations Analyst Sky Valley Resort Aug 2016 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of people who studied History at Hillsdale College, it’s clear that many of them ended up in jobs that don’t really relate to their degree all that much. A lot of graduates went into roles like administrative assistants, communication coordinators, and various positions in sales, which typically don’t require a deep understanding of historical contexts or critical thinking skills honed through a history program. For example, jobs in retail, administrative roles, or even as a laboratory technician primarily focus on skills that are pretty far removed from historical study.
However, some graduates did find ways to apply their history background effectively. Roles like teaching history or serving as a law clerk often leveraged their historical knowledge and analytical abilities, which is great! It shows that while there are plenty of folks who ended up in the more common, less history-related jobs, others really made sure to utilize what they learned in college in direct and impactful ways. Overall, there’s a mixed bag when it comes to relevance, with a notable number veering toward positions that don’t necessarily align with their degree, but a solid group still engaging with historical themes in their careers.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for History graduates (this is across all History graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Hillsdale College):
Graduates from Hillsdale College with a degree in History seem to have a diverse mix of career paths, highlighting both traditional and unexpected trajectories. Right after graduation, many land jobs that are not directly related to history, such as administrative roles, research positions, and various entry-level jobs in different sectors like sales, healthcare, or even education. For example, the 2013 graduate started as an Administrative Assistant but eventually moved into the medical field, becoming a Resident Physician. There are also graduates who embrace careers in law, educational roles, or program management, showcasing the versatility of a history degree.
Fast forward five to ten years, and the landscape looks a bit mixed. While some graduates appear to secure roles in related fields like teaching history or working in policy and research, a significant number seem to pivot into different sectors entirely, such as business, healthcare, or even retail. This raises questions about the direct applicability of their history degrees in certain professional environments. In essence, while some alumni utilize their background in history effectively, others explore a broader range of career options that may not align closely with their studies. So, while a history degree can be a stepping stone into various fields, graduates should be prepared for a winding road ahead in their career journeys.
A Bachelor’s degree in History at Hillsdale College can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests. If you enjoy reading, writing, and diving deep into different time periods and cultures, it might not feel overly strenuous for you. The coursework typically involves a lot of readings, essays, and critical thinking, so if you're up for the intellectual grind and love exploring the past, you'll probably find it engaging rather than overwhelming. That said, if you prefer more hands-on or practical subjects, you might find the heavy emphasis on theoretical analysis and writing a bit tough. Overall, it’s about average in difficulty compared to other liberal arts degrees, but your passion for the subject will make a huge difference in how hard it feels!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in History.
Looking at the careers of these Hillsdale College history grads, it seems like some are doing pretty well, while others are still figuring things out. The first grad has climbed the ranks in the legal field, moving from intern to Senior Vice President, which usually indicates a decent paycheck, likely over six figures. The medical grad is also on a promising path, being a resident physician—though that's often a grind, it can lead to a substantial income eventually. On the flip side, some recent grads are in more entry-level positions or jobs that traditionally don’t pay as much, like teaching and retail, which might not be the best financially. Overall, it seems like a mixed bag; there are definitely some success stories, but not everyone seems to be bringing in bank just yet.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in History (this is across all History graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Hillsdale College). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in History (ordered by the average relevance score of their History graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: